Norman N. Hopkins

Norman N. Hopkins, was born February 24,1936. He was the son of the late Benjamin Ezra Hopkins and Essie Alice (Pullum) Hopkins. He was one of seven children. Norman was born and raised in Lucerne Mines, PA. He was a member of Union Baptist Temple in Bridgeton New Jersey.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mildred (Watkins) Hopkins, two daughters, Deborah Jean (Hopkins) Tyson and Diane Marie (Hopkins) Brailey. Six siblings Ross Benjamin, Kathleen Elizabeth, Junita Myrtle, Ruth Alda, Clyde Daniel and Bernice Elnora.

Norman and Mildred were married for 63 years at the time of Mildred’s passing. From that union five daughters were born. Deborah Tyson, Brenda Hopkins, Sharon Williams, Darla Hopkins and Diane Brailey.

Norman leaves behind to mourn, daughters Brenda Hopkins, Sharon (Hopkins) Williams (John Williams Jr) and Darla Hopkins. Grand - children, Christopher Norman Hopkins, Sasha Noel Hopkins, (Spencer Barrinto) Gwendolyn Marie Williams, and Tasha (Brailey) Gonza - les (Anthony Gonzales). Great grandchildren, Ezra Williams-Thomas, Aidan Barriento, Idris Williams-Thomas, Christopher Hopkins Jr, Chelsea Hopkins and Chance Hopkins.

A host of nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle Norm. Also left to mourn is a special friend of Mildred and Norman, Mrs. Delores Lawson.

Norman came from humble beginnings. As a youth he shined shoes for a nickel, plus tips. He mowed lawns, washed and waxed cars, cleaned out ditches in the neighborhood and any other odd jobs that neighbors wanted done.

He graduated from Laura Lamar High School in 1954. Norman played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. His best friend was Raymond Greenwalt who he remained in touch with, throughout his adult life. He attended Indiana University of Pa, prior to entering the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. He went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration in 1960 as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. While with the FAA he graduated from Penn State University. He worked his way through various journeyman, management, and staff positions with the FAA. Norman was the first African American to be selected as Manager of an Air Traffic Control facility.

Friends will be received at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home, 898 Old Route 119, N., Indiana, PA 15701 on Friday March 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM.

Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery, Indiana, PA

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